Why we love it: Japan

By
kellie.bright on Oct 19th, 2011

This is the next in our Why We Love It Series. We are using this series to showcase some wonderful blogs written by passionate Peregrine staff members. Each blog focuses on a different destination, and today's is about Japan:

Japan...what a place! Definitely a world of its own. From the moment I arrived I loved it. Tokyo is a crazy, exciting, addictive place, from the neon lights and outrageous fashion to the busy streets and flashing games arcades. I had so much fun there.

Kyoto
Kyoto was my favourite city. The old capital maintains its long famed charm and beauty even today. Wander through the incredible temples and on your way around make a stop at one of the many souvenir stands and art and craft shops. You might even catch a glimpse of a geisha in Gion, standing tall and looking so very elegant in her colourful kimono.

Spring time in Japan
If you’re lucky enough to be in Japan in spring you may experience the sakura, or cherry blossom, season. The petals fall as slowly as snowflakes before making a pink and white blanket over the cobblestoned streets. Japan is definitely one of the most welcoming and hospitable places I’ve been to, and the safest. Not long after I arrived I was having a conversation with locals and being invited places with them.

Hungry?
Everything in Japan is done with the utmost attention to detail. The food is presented as if it was a work of art and tastes even better than it looks. My passion for Japanese food began my trip. From the freshest sashimi to izakaya ‘pub’ food, you never go hungry or wanting for something delicious. And you shouldn’t leave Japan without stopping off at one of the tiny ramen stalls to slurp noodles while standing alongside suited up ‘salarymen’.

Out and about
The countryside of Japan is incredible. With its abundance of hills and mountains, it is not hard to escape the crowds here. Visiting the temples and shrines in the countryside and trying the local delicacies at one of the small family-run restaurants is always fun, then relax in one of the many hot springs, or onsens, dotted throughout Japan, makes country Japan an experience for any season. I loved Japan. You can’t help but enjoy such a strange, welcoming, fun, diverse and unique place.